In general it is best to sub-class an existing module. Although it may not be easy or straightforward it is generally possible.

For example the Mail::Box module gathers together several existing mail modules under a single OO interface. This entailed some of the problems that you are facing.

The author, Mark Overmeer, gave an excellent talk about it at YAPC::Eu 2001. The slides are here.

In particular he demonstrated a very clever idea for using AUTOLOAD to re-bless an object into a class that supported a called method. (This isn't directly applicable to your case but it is interesting nevertheless)

John.
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In reply to Re: Working with Standard Modules... by jmcnamara
in thread Working with Standard Modules... by demerphq

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